Red Cross

Australian Red Cross is one of the many international Red Cross societies around the world. The Australian organisation was established in 1914, nine days after the commencement of World War I, by Lady Helen Munro Ferguson, when she formed a branch of the British Red Cross. The Mission of the Australian Red Cross is as follows: "To be a leading humanitarian organisation in Australia, improving the lives of vulnerable people through services delivered and promotion of humanitarian laws and values." The Australian Red Cross supports and runs a number of projects whilst raising awareness to the Australian public about the current issues or problems which may affect them. Some of the projects which are either run by or assisted by the Australian Red Cross are blood services, first aid projects, disaster and emergency services and education services. The Red Cross is paid to maintain Australia's blood and organ donation services.